Frank J. DiBiase

Frank J. DiBiase, 94, of Iron Mountain, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at ManorCare surrounded by his family and the wonderful caring staff at ManorCare. Frank, affectionately known as Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Hot Dog and #1. He was born on January 14, 1920 in Stanford, CT, his mom and dad, Anthony and Filomena (DeLorata) DiBiase had immigrated from Capistrano, Italy and shortly after he was born they moved to Iron Mountain. His dad died when Frank was a baby so he grew up with his mom and brothers Joe, Tony and Valerio and his sister Minnie all of whom preceded him in death. As a young boy he cleaned spittoons at the local bar and dropped out of school to join the Civilian Conservation Camps (CCC) to help him mom. On March 17, 1942 Frank joined the United States Army. He served his country as a demolition leader during WWII in Papua New Guinea, the Western Pacific and the Philippines. He earned the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with one Silver Battle Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star and six Overseas Services Bars. He was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant in 1945. Frank was very proud to be veteran. When he returned home from the war, Frank married Lois Mattson on April 13, 1946. They were married for over sixty years before she passed on October 20, 2006. Dad took loving care of mom while she was ill and he has now joined her in Heaven to celebrate their anniversary. Frank worked for the Ford Motor Company for many years and was also a foreman for Lindberg Construction in Chicago. After retiring he and Lois spent many happy winters in Florida with family and friends. They loved traveling, going to the casino and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Yvonne (Thomas) Sericati and Cindy Reynolds ; six grandchildren, Tami (Jerry) Higgins and Traci Sericati, Johnny (Rhonda) Reynolds, Bradley Reynolds, Steven Reynolds and Nick (Brittany) Reynolds; six great grandchildren, Madisun, Catelin, Tyler, Hunter, Hayley, Meena and Lyla; many nieces and nephews including Josephine Freeman and Janet Friedman who were always there for him, his sister in law Dee Mattson and his brother in law Davy Mattson; sister in law, Sally Mattson. Visitation will be on Tuesday April 8th from 9:00-11:00am at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am on Tuesday at the funeral home. Rev. James Lindgren will officiate. Burial will be in the Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post #50 will conduct military graveside services. Pallbearers will be John Reynolds, Brad Reynolds, Steve Reynolds and Nick Reynolds He was blessed to live a long happy life and now has gone to join all those that have passed before him. Condolences to the family of Frank DiBiase may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements

Frank J. DiBiase

January 14, 1920 - April 5, 2014